ASD is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. In Vietnam, the prevalence of ASD among children aged 18-30 months is around 75 per 10,000 children. However, until recently, there were no official Ministry of Health guidelines on diagnosis and interventions for children with ASD. To address this, USAID’s I-Thrive activity collaborated with the Ministry of Health’s Medical Services Administration and the National Pediatric Hospital in Hanoi to develop technical guidelines on (i) an interdisciplinary rehabilitation mechanism and (ii) early identification and intervention for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These guidelines will be used by different professionals in the rehabilitation system to coordinate services - from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, and will be piloted in three provincial hospitals in Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces over the next few months.

So What? The new technical guidelines will help increase the efficiency of the rehabilitation system, and standardize interdisciplinary services for children with IDD, recognizing that early intervention is critical to successful rehabilitation.